asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement about the present dispute which is affecting passenger, tourist, and freight shipping services at the Dublin Port.
Private Notice Question. - Dublin Port Dispute.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the present dispute involving clerical workers employed by the British & Irish Steam Packet Company which has been the subject of a recommendation by the Labour Court. Since the passing of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, it has not been the practice for members of the Government to intervene in trade disputes and I do not intend to depart from that practice in the present instance. I understand that the negotiations are continuing and I can only express the hope that an early settlement will be reached so that further hardship to the public may be avoided.
I agree with the Minister that it is undesirable that he should intervene in the matter, but is he aware that certain discussions which had been proceeding have been adjourned until Monday? It does seem somewhat casual that the matter should be deferred until Monday in view of the serious consequences of any prolonging of the dispute.
The latest information I received was that the parties had either come together or were endeavouring to come together this forenoon. I do not know whether or not that is so.
I understood from the reply on the Radio news bulletin today that they had met this morning and that the further meeting was adjourned until Monday.
That may be so, but I think the parties are still having discussions and an intervention by me would not be justifiable or desirable.